Sputtering, idling shakes the car

Hi,

My name is Cody and I live in Alaska. Heres the problem: I parked the car and went into work like normal, and when i returned to take my lunch break, it didn't fire right up; it sputtered in succession for about four seconds, and then finally started. It's been running feverishly rough ever since, and its hard to get it to accelerate very fast. I've gotten it to about 60 mph, but it is gutless without a doubt. When I depress the accelerator, I get a slow response. I'm thinking that either the fuel lines are clogged or frozen, injectors are bad, fuel filter is clogged not allowing fuel to effectively travel to the engine, or in the worst case scenario, the timing has crapped out. Now, I don't think its timing because the car was absolutely stationary when this happened, and after running the car for about 5 mins with the sputter issue, I smell gasoline. Any thoughts? I'm killing my pride but I think i'm going to leave this dilemma to the pro's. Input is appreciated.

Cody

Just wanted to add that it is a 1993 Ford Escort Coupe with 56,000 miles, and plugs/wires were recently installed.

I'd take a good look at the fuel filter. If it's never been done then replace it. It's about due even if that's not the problem but it sure could be. Must be cold up there. It was 78 degrees here today in Yuma. :smokin:

I'm thinking that your fuel system is iced up. Try a couple bottles of gas line antifreeze. Also, it wouldn't hurt to run a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the gas. It's possible the plugs could be iced up. Will it run long enough to heat the engine up? If it will I would rule out iced up plugs. When it's really cold the condensation will freeze up your plugs if it doesn't go ahead and run on the first try.